Durability monitoring and improvement of a blender

ABSTRACT

A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/682,022,filed Mar. 5, 2007, and a continuation of application Ser. No.12/795,173, filed Jun. 7, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a blender and, more particularly,to a blender that includes a jar presence indicator, a motor temperatureindicator, various types of cordsets to adapt the blender to regionalpower requirements and additional features to monitor or impact thedurability of the blender.

Blenders are a relatively common household and commercial kitchenappliance that are used to blend foodstuff, typically liquid drinks,drinks having ice or related foodstuff, which is blended into asemi-fluid state. A typical blender includes a base that encloses amotor and a jar having a lid that is removably mountable to the base.The jar includes a blending tool rotatably mounted therein. The blendingtool is rotatably engageable with a drive shaft of the motor in aworking configuration. Food is placed into the jar and the jar isengaged with the base for subsequent blending by driving the blendingtool to rotate within the foodstuff. The jar is removable from the baseto pour the blended foodstuff into a container for subsequentconsumption.

It would be desirable for a blender to include a device that limits orprohibits operation of the blender when the jar is not properly mountedto the base and provides an indication to a user when the jar isproperly mounted to the base. Operation of the motor and motor shaftwhen the jar is not properly mounted to the base may damage componentsof the blender or create a potential hazard as exposed, rotating partsmay injure a user if the jar is not properly mounted to the base.Therefore, it would be desirable to construct a blender that does notoperate when the jar is not properly mounted to the base and provides avisual indication to a user when the jar is properly mounted to the baseindicating that the blender is ready for use.

It would also be desirable to include a visual motor temperatureindicator on a blender to alert the user to the motor temperature.Continuous heavy-duty use of a blender or blending of difficult to blendor viscous foodstuff may place a heavy burden on a blender motor.Blender users are typically unaware if a blender motor becomesoverheated or reaches a temperature that can reduce the useful lifetimeof the motor or otherwise permanently damage the motor. Therefore, itwould be desirable to construct a blender that provides a motortemperature indication to the user such that the user is informed whenthe motor is operating in a predetermined, normal temperature range andmay allow the motor to cool or seek technical help with the blenderbefore permanent damage occurs to the motor if the motor is operatingoutside of the normal temperature range.

Further, it would be desirable to develop a blender that is adaptablefor use in numerous regions without a necessity to significantly modifythe assembly and construction of the blender to accommodate regionalcordsets. The standards for cordsets in various regions of the world arevariable. Accordingly, blenders are often designed and constructed foruse in a specific region with a specific standard cordset. Design,development and construction of a blender that may be quickly and easilyadapted for several worldwide regions by removal and replacement of acordset that is utilized as a standard for the specific region where theblender will be sold and used is desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the present application isdirected to a blender for blending foodstuff including a base enclosinga motor and a jar sensor secured to the base. The base has an uppermounting surface and the motor is mounted beneath the upper mountingsurface. The jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the uppermounting surface. A jar is removably mountable to the base on themounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator ismounted proximate the lower jar surface. The jar sensor detects thepresence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in anoperating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects thepresence of the actuator in the operating position.

In another aspect, the present application is directed to a blender forblending foodstuff including a base enclosing a motor, a control panellocated on the base, a jar removably mountable to the base, a motortemperature indicator positioned on the control panel and a temperaturesensor positioned proximate the motor. The temperature sensor is incommunication with the motor temperature indicator. The motortemperature sensor senses a temperature of the motor, provides atemperature signal to the temperature indicator and the temperatureindicator provides an indication to a user of the temperature of themotor.

In a further aspect, the present application is directed to a blenderfor blending foodstuff including a base enclosing a motor and a jarremovably mountable to the base. The base includes a cord mountingoutlet. A first cordset is removably mountable to the cord mountingoutlet for providing electrical power to the motor when the firstcordset is mounted to the cord mounting outlet. A second cordset isremovably mountable to the cord mounting outlet for providing electricalpower to the motor when the second cordset is mounted to the cordmounting outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofa preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, anembodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theblender of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded, front perspective view of the blendershown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of a lower housing of a base of theblender shown in FIG. 1, wherein a first cordset is mounted to the lowerhousing;

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the lower housing of the base ofthe blender shown in FIG. 1, wherein a second cordset is mounted to thelower housing;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the blender shown inFIG. 1, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the blender shown inFIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of ajar of the blender shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is schematic block diagram of control elements of the blendershown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a preferred control panel of theblender shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper”designate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, a geometric center of the blender and designatedparts therefore. Terminology includes the above-listed words,derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-8, a preferred embodimentof a blender, generally designated 10, for blending foodstuff.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the blender 10 includes a base 12enclosing a motor 14 wherein the base 12 includes an upper mountingsurface 12 a. Ajar sensor 16 is secured to the base 12 proximate theupper mounting surface 12 a. In the preferred embodiment, the jar sensor16 is mounted within the base 12 at an underside of the upper mountingsurface 12 a of the base 12. The jar sensor 16 is not limited to beingmounted to the underside of the upper mounting surface 12 a or to beingmounted to the base 12 and may be mounted to nearly any portion of theblender 10 wherein power may be provided to the jar sensor 16 and thejar sensor 16 may be utilized to sense a presence of a jar 18 of theblender 10, which will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-6, the jar 18 is removably mountable tothe base 12 on the mounting surface 12 a and includes a closed end 18 a.In the preferred embodiment, the jar 18 also includes an open mouth 18 bopposite the closed end 18 a and a handle 18 c extending from a sidesurface that a user may utilize to manipulate the jar 18. The jar 18 mayhave nearly any size and/or shape that includes a closed end 18 a and isable to receive food therein for blending.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, in the preferred embodiment, the jar18 includes four spaced apart hollow feet 20 at the closed end 18 a andthe base 12 includes four spaced apart protrusions 22 extending from theupper mounting surface 12 a proximate the four corners of the base 12.In an operating position (FIGS. 1, 4 and 5), at least a portion of eachof the protrusions 22 is positioned within a corresponding one of thefeet 20. The preferred feet 20 are formed by arcuate walls at the closedend 18 a of the jar 18. In addition, the preferred protrusions 22 areintegrally formed with the upper mounting surface 12 a of the base 12and extend generally perpendicularly from the upper mounting surface 12a. The positioning of the protrusions 22 in the feet 20 providealignment for the jar 18 relative to the base 12 and aid in limitingmovement of the jar 18 relative to the base 12 in the operatingposition. The jar 18 is not limited to including the feet 20 constructedof the arcuate-shaped portions at the closed end 18 a and the base 12 isnot limited to inclusion of the protrusions 22 extending generallyperpendicularly from the upper mounting surface 12 a. For example, thejar 18 may not include the feet 20 but may be associated with aremovable collar (not shown) that is removably mountable to the base 12and serves to align the jar 18 relative to the base 12. In addition, thejar 18 may be aligned and secured relative to the base 12 in numerousother manners, such as through generally cylindrical-shaped hollow feetextending from the bottom of the jar that engage generally solidprotrusions extending from the base, as would be apparent to one havingordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, in the preferred embodiment, the motor 14includes a motor shaft 24 that is driven by the motor 14 and a maledrive coupling 26 is mounted to an exposed end 24 a of the motor shaft24. In addition, a jar shaft 28 is rotatably mounted to a bottom wall 18d of the closed end 18 a of the jar 18 and a blender blade 30 is mountedto a first end 28 a of the jar shaft 28. A female drive coupling 32 ispreferably mounted to a second end 28 b of the jar shaft 28 and receivesthe male coupling 26 in the operating position. The arrangement of thejar shaft 28 mounted in the bottom wall 18 d of the jar 18 including thefemale coupling 32 at the second end 28 b and the male coupling 26mounted to the motor shaft 24 is not limiting. For example, as wasdescribed above, the blender blades 30 may be associated with a separatecollar having a conventional blender clutch that is removably mountableto the jar 18 and to the base 12, which also includes a conventionalclutch to couple the blender blades 30 to the motor 14. However, themale coupling 26 is preferred at the exposed end 24 a of the motor shaft24 for coupling to the female coupling 32 of the jar shaft 28 becausethe male and female couplings 26, 32 generally provide a more robustmechanical engagement between the motor shaft 24 and the jar shaft 28when compared to a conventional blender clutch arrangement and anyspillage or ingredients that fall or are spilled onto the male coupling26 are generally easier to clean from the male coupling 26 when comparedto the female coupling 32. For example, the exposed surfaces of the malecoupling 26 may be wiped using a cloth while the female coupling 32 isgenerally more difficult to clean on its internal or difficult to reachsurfaces and may be inserted into a dishwasher for cleaning with the jar18 or may be otherwise immersed in fluid for cleaning. In contrast, thebase 12 and attached male coupling 26 are typically inappropriate fordishwasher or fluid immersion cleaning because they are fixed to themotor 14.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, in the preferred embodiment, a seal ring 82is mounted to the base 12 at the upper mounting surface 12 a and sealswith the motor shaft 24 to limit fluid from flowing into the base 12 andonto the motor 14. In addition, a drain channel 84 preferably extendsfrom the seal ring 82 toward a peripheral edge of the upper mountingsurface 12 a to direct fluid that is positioned near the male coupling26 away from the penetration where the motor shaft 24 extends out of thebase 12. The combination of the seal ring 82 and the drain channel 84cooperate to limit standing fluid near the male coupling 26 that mayseep into the base 12. Fluid that flows into the base 12 and onto themotor 14 is typically detrimental to the operation and durability of themotor 14 and may cause failure of the motor 14 or electronics associatedwith the blender 10. The blender 10 may also include additional sealswithin the base 12 that seal with the motor shaft 24 to further directfluid away from the motor 14 or blender electronics even if some fluidis able to breach the upper mounting surface 12 and seep through theseal ring 82. The blender 10 is not limited to inclusion of the sealring 82 or the drain channel 84 on the upper mounting surface and mayhave a generally planar upper mounting surface 12 a without the sealring 82 or may include alternative or additional sealing and drainingmechanisms to limit seepage of fluids into the base 12. For example, themotor 14 may include seals (not shown) at motor bearing locations tolimits exposure of the motor 14 to fluids.

Referring to FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment, the jar shaft 28 isrotatably mounted to the closed end 18 a and through the bottom wall 18d by a first bearing 34 a and a second bearing 34 b. The first andsecond bearings 34 a, 34 b provide additional stability for the jarshaft 28 and additional structural strength and stiffness for blendingwhen compared to a conventional jar shaft, which is mounted to a jarusing a single bearing. In addition, the first and second bearings 34 a,34 b are able to distribute loads encountered by the jar shaft 28 andthe blender blades 30 more effectively to the bottom wall 18 d and thejar 18. Accordingly, the blades 30 are generally more stable during highload blending operations and tend to have an extended life when comparedto conventional blender blades, which are mounted to the jar using asingle bearing. The blender 10 is not limited to inclusion of the firstand second bearings 34 a, 34 b and may include a single bearing thatmounts the jar shaft 28 to the bottom wall 18 d or may be part of anassembly that is separate from the jar 18, for example, theabove-described collar.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, an actuator 36 is mounted proximate theclosed end 18 a of the jar 18. The jar sensor 16 detects the presence ofthe actuator 36 when the jar 18 is mounted to the base 12 in anoperating position. The motor 14 is powered when the jar sensor 16detects the presence of the actuator 36 in the operating position. Inthe preferred embodiment, the actuator 36 is comprised of a magnetmounted to the jar 18 at the closed end 18 a and the jar sensor 16 iscomprised of a Hall Effect sensor 16 mounted to the base 12 proximatethe upper mounting surface 12 a for detecting the presence of themagnetic field of the magnetic actuator 36. The actuator 36 is notlimited to being comprised of a magnet and the jar sensor 16 is notlimited to being comprised of the Hall Effect sensor. The actuator 36and jar sensor 16 may be comprised of nearly any set of mechanisms thatare able to detect whether the jar 18 is properly mounted to the base12. For example, the base 12 may include an optical sensor or sensorstherein that detects when the jar 18 is properly mounted on the uppermounting surface 12 a or the blender 10 may include nearly any othermechanism that permits detection of the positioning of the jar 18relative to the base 12 in the operating position.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, in the preferred embodiment, the actuator36 is comprised of at least one magnet mounted between two adjacent feet30 and the jar sensor 16 is secured to the base 12 between at least twoadjacent protrusions 22. The preferred construction of the blender 10includes four magnet actuators 36 mounted between each of four adjacentfeet 30 at the closed end 18 a of the jar 18 and the jar sensor 16 ismounted between two adjacent protrusions 22 of four protrusions 22 thatextend from the upper mounting surface 12 a. The inclusion of the fourmagnet actuators 36 mounted between the feet 20 and the single HallEffect sensor 16 mounted in the base 12 between the protrusions 22permit the jar 18 to be mounted in any of four orientations relative tothe base 18 in the operating position wherein the jar sensor 16 sensesone of the actuators 36 when the jar 18 is properly positioned relativeto the base 12 in the operating position. The blender 10 is not limitedto inclusion of the four magnetic actuators 36 mounted to the closed end18 a of the jar 18 or to the single jar sensor 16 mounted within thebase 18. For example, the jar 18 may include a single actuator 36 and asingle jar sensor 16, thereby potentially limiting the jar 18 to asingle proper operating position relative to the base 18. In addition,the jar 18 may include a single actuator 36 and the base 12 may includefour jar sensors 16 mounted between the protrusions 22 within the base12 to sense the proper positioning of the jar 18 relative to the base 12in four separate positions. However, the single Hall Effect sensor 16mounted in the base 12 and the four magnetic actuators 36 mountedbetween the feet 20 are preferred due to the relative simplicity,operability and cost effectiveness of this design and construction.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, in the preferred embodiment, a jar pad 38constructed of a polymeric material is removably mountable to the uppermounting surface 12 a. The polymeric material of the jar pad 38 ispreferably an elastic material and the jar pad 38 preferably includesfour receiving extensions 38 a. The jar pad 38 is preferably mountedbetween the jar 18 and the base 12 in the operating position andgenerally provides a vibration damper and a relatively forgiving,elastic structure between the generally rigid jar feet 20 of the jar 18and the protrusions 22. The four receiving extensions 38 a are alignedwith the base 12 by receiving the protrusions 22 and aid in aligning thejar 18 relative to the base 12 through positioning within the feet 20 inthe operating position. The elastic material of the jar pad 38 providesa relatively flexible, pliable material for aligning the jar 18 relativeto the mounting surface 12 a. The jar pad 38 also preferably includes acentral opening 38 b that permits extension of the male coupling 26therethrough in the operating position. The jar pad 38 is preferablyremovably mountable relative to the base 12 and the jar 18 for separatecleaning, for example, in a dishwasher. In addition, the Hall Effectsensor 16 and the magnetic actuators 36 are operable through the jar pad38, as the Hall Effect sensor 16 is able to detect the change inmagnetic field when one of the magnetic actuators 36 is positionedproximate the jar sensor 16 in the operating position.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8, in the preferred embodiment, thebase 12 includes a control panel 42 having a jar presence indicator 40thereon. In operation, the jar sensor 16 preferably provides a signal toa controller 68, which in turn provides a signal to the jar presenceindicator 40, and the jar presence indicator 40 provides an indicationto a user when the jar 18 is mounted to the base 12 in the operatingposition. The preferred jar presence indicator 40 is comprised of alight emitting diode (LED) that is mounted to the control panel 42 andis illuminated in the operating position. The blender 10 is not limitedto inclusion of the jar presence indicator 40 comprised of the LED andmay not include any jar presence indicator 40 or may include analternative visual, audible or alternative indicator that provides anindication to the user that the jar 18 is mounted to the base 12 in theoperating position. In addition, the control panel 42 shown in FIG. 8 isnot limiting and may include nearly any configuration and appearancethat provides a panel from which a user is able to control the operationof the blender 10. The preferred details of the control panel 42 areshown in FIG. 8 with a generic control panel shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5for convenience and clarity.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6-8, in the preferred embodiment, the jarsensor 16 is in communication with the jar presence indicator 40 throughthe controller 68. The controller 68 is preferably comprised of anintegrated circuit 68 and is utilized to control various operations ofthe blender 10. The controller 68 preferably receives the signal fromthe jar sensor 16 indicating that the jar 18 is mounted to the base 12in the operating position, permits power to flow to the motor 14 andilluminates the jar presence indicator 40, providing notice to a userthat the jar 18 is mounted in the operating position relative to thebase 12. Conversely, if the jar 18 is not properly mounted to the base12, the jar presence indicator 40 is not illuminated and power is notprovided to the motor 14 by the controller 68. Accordingly, the blender10 is preferably not operable when the jar 18 is not mounted to the base12 in the operating position or when the male coupling 26 is exposedfrom the base 12. The configuration of the controller 68, the jar sensor16, the actuators 36 and the jar presence indicator 40 limit use of theblender 10 when the jar 18 is not mounted to the base 12 in theoperating position.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-8, in operation, the jar pad 38 is mountedto the mounting surface 12 a by engaging the extensions 38 a with theprotrusions 22. The jar 18 is placed in the operating position bypositioning the extensions 38 a in the hollows of the feet 20. Theelastic nature of the jar pad 38 and, specifically, the extensions 38 a,facilitate positioning of the jar 18 relative to the base 12 byproviding a forgiving, elastic surface where the generally rigid feet 20engage the jar pad 38, thereby limiting potential impact damage at theclosed end 18 a of the jar 18. When the jar 18 is positioned in theoperating position relative to the base 12, one of the magneticactuators 36 is located proximate, above the jar sensor 16. Thepreferred Hall Effect sensor 16 is able to detect the presence of themagnetic field of the magnetic actuator 36 and provides a signal to thecontroller 68, which in turn provides a signal to the jar presenceindicator 40 to illuminate. The jar presence indicator 40 or LED isilluminated to provide an indication to the user that the jar 18 isproperly aligned with the base 12 in the operating position and theblender 10 may be utilized. If the jar 18 is not properly positioned inthe operating position, the motor 14 will not be provided with power andthe blender 10 will not be operable. A lid 44 is mounted to the mouth 18b of the jar 18 and the foodstuff within the jar 18 is blended byactuating the motor 14 to drive the blending blades 30.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8, when the jar 18 is mounted in theoperating position relative to the base 12, the user may select a low orhigh operating speed utilizing a low speed button 70 a or a high speedbutton 70 b, respectively. A blending time is selected utilizing a timer72 and blending is commenced by depressing a start button 74. Theblender 10 typically operates or blends the foodstuff until the selectedtime period ends and the controller 68 automatically cuts power to themotor 14 to stop blending. The blender 10 may be momentarily startedagain by depressing a pulse button 76, which results in operation of theblender 10 for as long as the pulse button 76 is depressed by the user.Further, during timed operation, a jump button 78 may be depressed tocause the blender 10 to jump back and forth between the high and lowblending speeds, which are initially selected using the low and highbuttons 70 a, 70 b. The timer 72 may also be set at a continuousoperation setting which causes the blender 10 to operate without timelimitation after the start button 74 is depressed until a stop button 80is depressed or the jar 18 is moved from the operating position,resulting in a signal from the jar sensor 16 to the controller 68 thatthe jar 18 is not in the operating position, a signal from thecontroller 68 to cut power to the motor 14 and the controller 68 turningthe jar presence indicator 40 off to indicate to the user that the jar18 is not longer in the operating position.

As was described above, the jar 18 may be positioned in four distinctorientations relative to the base 12 in the preferred embodiment.Specifically, regardless of which one of the feet 20 engages a specificextension 38 a or protrusion 22, one of the magnetic actuators 36 willbe located proximate or above the Hall Effect sensor 16. That is,regardless of which ninety degree) (90°) incremental orientation thehandle 18 c of the jar 18 is located relative to the base 12 withrespect to a longitudinal axis 46 of the blender 10, the jar 18 will bein the operating position and the jar presence indicator 40 will beilluminated. The ability to position the jar 18 in the four distinctorientations relative to the base 12 is convenient for a user who may belocated at various positions relative to the base 12 during use andorienting the handle 18 c at a preferred position for relatively easyaccess by the user is preferred for convenience. The jar 18 is notlimited to four specific orientations relative to the base 12 and may bepositioned at nearly any location or orientation relative to the base 12wherein the proper positioning of the jar 18 relative to the base 12 maybe accurately monitored by a presence indicating device.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8, a motor temperature indicator 48 ispositioned on the control panel 42 and a temperature sensor 50 ispositioned proximate the motor 14. The temperature sensor 50 is incommunication with the temperature indicator 48, preferably through thecontroller 68, and senses a temperature of the motor 14 during use. Thetemperature sensor 50 provides a temperature signal to the temperatureindicator 48, preferably through the controller 68, and the temperatureindicator 48 provides an indication to a user of the temperature of themotor 14.

In the preferred embodiment, the motor temperature indicator 48 iscomprised of a first indicator 48 a, a second indicator 48 b and a thirdindicator 48 c. The first, second and third indicators 48 a, 48 b, 48 care preferably comprised of LEDs that are alternatively illuminateddepending upon the temperature of the motor 14 sensed by the temperaturesensor 50. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the firstindicator 48 a is illuminated when the temperature signal is within apredetermined low range, the second indicator 48 b is illuminated whenthe temperature signal is within a predetermined medium range and thethird indicator 48 c is illuminated when the temperature signal iswithin a predetermined high range. The preferred low range is comprisedof a sensed temperature that is at or below approximately seventy-fivedegrees Centigrade (75° C.), the preferred medium range is a sensedtemperature between approximately seventy-six and ninety-nine degreesCentigrade (76-99° C.) and the high temperature range is a sensedtemperature approximately at or greater than one hundred degreesCentigrade (100° C.). The low, medium and high temperature ranges arenot limited to those described above and may be comprised of nearly anytemperature range, depending upon the type and acceptable operatingtemperature range of a specific motor 14, the location andresponsiveness of the temperature sensor 50, the duration that the motor14 is subjected to the sensed temperatures and various other factors.Preferably, the controller 68 cuts power to the motor 14 when the sensedtemperature reaches a predetermined level, for example, the hightemperature range, such that permanent damage to the motor 14 is limitedfrom exposure to excessive heat.

The controller 68 preferably prevents operation of the motor 14 when thetemperature signal from the temperature sensor 50 is in the high range,but preferably permits a no-load or reduced load operation cycle of theblender 10 to quickly cool the motor 14. For example, when thetemperature sensor 50 sends a signal to the controller 68 that the motortemperature is in the high range, the controller 68 stops the motor 14and sends a signal to the third indicator 48 c to illuminate and providean indication to the user that the motor 14 has reached a temperature inthe high range. In this over-temperature situation, the user ispreferably able to select a relatively long time setting using the timer72, select a low motor rotating speed using the low speed button 70 aand quickly remove the jar 18 from the base 12, resulting in thecontroller 68 permitting the motor 14 to operate at the low speed forthe relatively long blending time to cool the motor 14. The blender 10is not limited to inclusion of this cool-down cycle to cool the motor 14when a sensed temperature is in the high range, but the cycle ispreferred to provide a relatively quick method to cool the motor when ahigh temperature is sensed.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, in the preferred embodiment, the temperaturesensor 50 is comprised of a thermistor that is secured to a coil 14 a ofthe motor 14 by a conductive potting material (not shown). Thetemperature sensor 50 is not limited to being comprised of thethermistor mounted to the coil 14 utilizing the potting material and maybe comprised of an optical temperature sensor that is mounted to thebase 12 and detects a temperature of a portion of the motor 14 otherthan the coil 14 a and sends temperature signals to the controller 68 atpredetermined intervals. However, mounting the thermistor to the coil 14a with potting material is preferred due to the reliability, economicalassembly and ability of the thermistor to communicate with thecontroller 68.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the preferred LED's of the first, secondand third indicators 48 a, 48 b, 48 c are preferably comprised of green,yellow and red LED's, respectively that provide the indication to theuser of the temperature of the motor 14. The green, yellow and red LED'sare preferred because they provide a generally universal indication of auser that the temperature is acceptable in the low range by illuminatingthe green first indicator 48 a, the motor temperature is operating in acautionary range in the medium range by illuminating the yellow secondindicator 48 b and the motor temperature is operating in a dangerous orunsafe range in the high range by illuminating the red third indicator48 c. The blender 10 is not limited to inclusion of the green, yellowand red first, second and third indicators 48 a, 48 b, 48 c comprised ofLED's and may be comprised of nearly any device that is able to providean indication to a user of the temperature of the motor 14 or whetherthe motor is operating in an acceptable temperature range.

The blender 10 is not limited to inclusion of the motor temperatureindicator 48 or the temperature sensor 50 and may be operated withouteither of these components without significantly impacting the functionof the blender 10. In addition, when the motor temperature indicator 48and temperature sensor 50 are included with the blender 10, the motortemperature indicator 48 is not limited to the first, second and thirdindicators 48 a, 48 b, 48 c comprised of LEDs and may be comprised ofnearly any visual, audible or other indication that provides a prompt orindication to the user of the temperature of the motor 14. For example,the temperature indicator 48 may be comprised of a digital display thatspecifically exhibits the sensed temperature of the motor 14 or may becomprised of an array of LEDs that provide an indication of thetemperature of the motor 14. Further, the motor temperature indicator 48may be comprised of an audible signal, for example, a verbal temperaturesignal, indicating the temperature of the motor 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, in operation, the motor 14 is powered to drivethe blending blades 30 and the blades 30 and motor 14 are loaded throughresistance to rotation of the blades 30, which is typically provided bythe foodstuff within the jar 18 that is being blended. Under highloading conditions or other circumstances, the motor 14 may becomeexcessively hot. Excessive heat applied to the motor 14 may havenegative impacts upon the life and general operation of the motor 14.Accordingly, the temperature sensor 50 is able to sense the temperatureof the motor 14 and the sensed temperature is communicated to the userthrough the motor temperature indicator 48. Specifically, the thermistor50 senses a temperature of the coil 14 a, the controller 68 receives thesensed temperature and compares the sensed temperature to thepredetermined temperature ranges and sends a signal to the appropriatetemperature indicator 48 a, 48 b, 48 c to provide the temperatureindication to the user. When the motor temperature becomes excessivelyhigh, the third indicator 48 c is preferably illuminated, indicating tothe user that the blender 10 should not be operated or the blender 10should be referred for maintenance and the controller 68 may cut powerto the motor 14. Alternatively, during normal operation, the thermistor50 senses a temperature of the motor 14 that falls within the low ormedium ranges and the sensed temperature is communicated to the motortemperature indicator 48, through the controller 68, which sends asignal to illuminate one of the first or second indicators 48 a, 48 b.Indication of the operating temperature of the motor 14 through themotor temperature indicator 48 may provide a useful diagnostic tool forthe operator to indicate that maintenance of the blender 10 is required,that the blender 10 is operating normally or that the blender 10 shouldbe shut down to analyze the loading or general operation.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3B, the base 12 includes an upper housing 52 and alower housing 54 having a cord mounting outlet 60 on a lower surface. Afirst cordset 56 and a second cordset 58 are removably mountable to thecord mounting outlet 60 for providing electrical power to the motor 14when the first or second cordsets 56, 58 are mounted to the cordmounting outlet 60. The first cordset 56 preferably includes anAmerican-type male plug 56 a at a distill end and a second cordset 58preferably includes a European-type male plug 58 a at a distill end. Thefirst and second cordsets 56, 58 also preferably include a mountingplate 62 at a proximal end opposite the distal end that is removablymountable to the cord mounting outlet 60 on the lower housing 54. Thecord mounting outlet 60 is preferably positioned in a cord cavity 64 inthe lower surface of the lower housing 54 to accommodate positioning ofthe base 12 on a support surface 66 without interference of the mountingplate 62 with the support surface 66. The mounting plates 62 of thefirst and second cordsets 56, 58 are preferably identical in theirmounting mechanism for mounting to the cord mounting outlet 60 such thatthe first and second cordsets 56, 58 are interchangeable with the cordmounting outlet 60. Accordingly, the blender 10 may be constructed foruse in nearly any country and the appropriate cordset 56, 58 may bemounted to the mounting plate 62 depending upon where the blender 10 isto be shipped for use.

The first and second cordsets 56, 58 are not limited to inclusion of theAmerican-type and/or European-type male plugs 56 a, 58 a on the distalend and may include nearly any manner or type of male plug for use in aspecific region. The male plugs 56 a, 58 a of the first and secondcordsets 56, 58 may have nearly any configuration that is adapted forplugging into an outlet that the blender 10 may be utilized with forproviding power to the motor 14.

Referring to FIG. 7, in the preferred embodiment, the motor 14 is auniversal motor 14, which may be operated on either direct current (DC)or alternating current (AC) from a power source 86. The blender 10 istypically subjected to AC from the power source 86 and includes arectifier 88 to convert the AC to DC. The universal motor 14 typicallyoperates at a greater efficiency and at a lower temperature whensubjected to DC. Accordingly, the rectifier 88 is preferred such thatthe motor 14 operates in an efficient manner and at a comparatively lowtemperature. Accordingly, the universal motor 14 will typically have alonger life when subjected to the rectified current of the preferredembodiment. The blender 10 is not limited to inclusion of the rectifier88 or to the inclusion of the universal motor 14. The blender 10 mayinclude nearly any type of motor 14 and may be operated without therectifier 88 without significantly impacting the function of the blender10. However, the rectifier 88 is preferred to improve the efficiency anddurability of the blender 10.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 7 and 8, in the preferred embodiment, theblender 10 includes an operation indicator 90 that is in communicationwith the controller 68. The operation indicator 90 preferably providesan indication to a user of the number of times that power is removed andapplied to the blender 10 and motor 14 during the lifetime of theblender 10. The counting of the number of times that the blender 10 hasbeen operated is useful for blender warranty purposes, troubleshooting,general durability and other related purposes that would be apparent toone having ordinary skill in the art. In the most preferred embodiment,the operation indicator 90 is comprised of three LED's including a firstcounter indicator 90 a, a second counter indicator 90 b, and a thirdcounter indicator 90 c that are mounted to the base 12. The counterindicators 90 a, 90 b, 90 c preferably provide a visual indication to auser of the number of times that the blender 10 has been used during itslifetime. The number of times the blender 10 is used is preferablycalculated and stored by the controller 68. In addition, in thepreferred embodiment, the counter indicators 90 a, 90 b, 90 c aremounted within the base 12 and their illumination is visible throughvents 92 in the lower housing 54. The counter indicators 90 a, 90 b, 90c are not limited to being comprised of LED's, mounted within the base12 or visible through the vents 92 and may be comprised of a digitaldisplay or other indicating device, mounted to the control panel 42 ornearly anywhere else on the blender 10 or may be separate from theblender 10 and selectively placed into communication with the controller68 to provide an indication to a user of the number of times that theblender 10 has been operated during its lifetime.

In operation, the blender 10 is operated a plurality of times during itslifetime and the controller 68 records and stores each time power isremoved from and applied to the blender 10. The controller 68 preferablyprovides a signal to the operation indicator 90 of the number ofoperation cycles that the blender 10 has encountered each time theblender 10 is powered or each time the start button 74 is depressed. Inthe preferred embodiment, each time the start button 74 is depressed,the controller 68 sends a signal to the operation indicator 90 and theoperation indicator 90 provides a signal or indication to a user of thenumber of times the blender 10 has been operated during its lifetime.Specifically, the first counter indicator 90 a is preferably green, thesecond counter indicator 90 b is preferably yellow and the third counterindicator 90 c is preferably red. Upon receipt of the signal from thecontroller 68, the third counter indicator 90 c preferably blinks oncefor every ten thousand cycles, the second counter indicator 90 b blinksonce for every thousand cycles and the first counter indicator 90 ablinks once for every one hundred cycles. Accordingly, if the blender 10has been subjected to 21, 334 cycles during its lifetime, the thirdcounter indicator 90 c blinks twice, the second counter indicator 90 bblinks once and the first counter indicator 90 a blinks three times. Aswas described above, the counter indicators 90 a, 90 b, 90 c are notlimited to colored LED's that blink to provide an indication to a userof the number of cycles the blender 10 has encountered and may becomprised of nearly any mechanism that is able to provide a signal to auser of the number of cycles the blender 10 has encountered. Forexample, the operation indicator 90 may be comprised of a mechanicalcounter mounted to the control panel 42, a speaker that audiblyindicates the number of cycles when prompted by a user or a digitaldisplay that displays the number of cycles and is in remotecommunication with the controller 68 to indicate to the user the numberof cycles.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiment described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of operating a blender having a jar including blendingblades therein, a base, a motor mounted within the base, a controllerand a temperature sensor, the method comprising the steps of: a)positioning foodstuff in the jar; b) mounting the jar to the base suchthat the blending blades are in mechanical communication with the motor;c) operating the motor to rotate the blending blades within thefoodstuff and blend the foodstuff; d) sensing a temperature of the motorwith the temperature sensor; e) communicating the temperature of themotor to the controller; f) comparing the sensed temperature of themotor to a predetermined high temperature range using the controller,the controller sending a signal to the motor to cancel operation of themotor when the sensed temperature of the motor is within thepredetermined high temperature range; and g) operating the motor at arotating speed in a reduced mechanical load cycle to cool the motor. 2.The method of claim 1 comprising the further step of: h) removing thejar from the base at the start of step (g) such that the motor is thenoperating in the reduced mechanical load cycle.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein in step (g) a rotating speed is selected utilizing a speedselection button and a time period is selected utilizing a timer, thecontroller directing the motor to operate at the rotating speed for thetime period.